Effects of a single dose of fluoride on calcium metabolism.

Fluoride 27 mg was given perorally to 14 subjects. It was found that the serum fluoride concentration increased followed by a decrease to normal levels during 24 h. Serum concentrations of calcium and phosphate decreased initially whereas those of serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone increased. After 24 h the measured quantities were within normal limits. The results are discussed with reference to mineralization of hard tissues and to fluoride treatment of osteoporotic patients.